Entrepreneur of the Year Winner
Kathie Groenewegen of Limestone Organic Creamery, of Elginburg, nominated by the Frontenac CFDC was the winner of the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Limestone Organic Creamery wholesales their dairy products to approximately 20 retailers in the Kingston/Frontenac area providing them with an opportunity to increase their revenues. After just 3 years in business, demand for the dairy products has outgrown the Groenewegen’s own supply of milk.
The owners have successfully created a traditional and professional look to their marketing and packaging that captures the essence of their products – this includes everything from the reusable glass bottle to the porch box to the home delivery vehicle. Their retail store also conveys that same image and they are known for their excellent and friendly service.
Accepting the award were Kathie Groenwegen (Limestone Organic Creamery) and Anne Prichard (Frontenac CFDC)
Watch Limestone Organic Creamery's winning video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5AQumePLY
Community Economic Development Award of Excellence Winner
The FAB Region is an investment marketing partnership structured to attract and grow small scale (artisanal) food and beverage businesses including cheese,sausage, chocolate, milk etc. The partnership took place between four Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) offices, more specifically: Frontenac CFDC, Prince Edward, Lennox & Addington CFDC, CFDC of North & Central Hastings & South Algonquin, and Trenval Business Development Corporation. In addition to these offices, a community partnership with Hastings County was an important addition to this initiative. The Food and Beverage (FAB) Region, nominated by the Frontenac CFDC was the winner of the CED Award of Excellence.
Accepting the award was Andrew Redden (County of Hastings), Jan Dines and Anne Prichard (Frontenac CFDC)
Watch the FAB Region's winning video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxBK1zgIY10
Innovation Award of Excellence Winner
Receiving the InnovationAward of Excellence was the Atikokan EDC for their work on the Heart of the Continent's National Geographic Geo-Tourism project. This collaborative effort was brought forth to stimulate and promote tourism and the ‘outdoor experience’ in northern Ontario and northern Minnesota, using the strength and respectability of the National Geographic brand. The basis of the project was universal to develop a common identity for the region beyond provincial or national borders, defining the area instead by its geography, its history and its people.
Accepting the award were Gord Knowles and Garry McKinnon, Atikokan EDC.
Check out their winning video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2mQEevrHwo
Members' Choice Award Winner
This was the second year for the Members’ Choice Award. All nominations were posted on the OACFDC website, and members voted online. The winner was Ember's Grill and Smokehouse of Sault Ste. Marie, owned by Shayne and Brandi Bell. http://www.embersgrillsmokehouse.com/ nominated by the CDC of Sault Ste, Marie.
Business Development & Investment Manager Karen Senecal accepted the award on behalf of Ember's Grill and Smolkehouse, a $500 cash prize from sponsor Sharon Wilson, the Benefits Lady.
Congratulations to all of our Winners!